Foldable electronic device including elecronic pen

ABSTRACT

Disclosed is a foldable electronic device including an electronic pen, wherein the foldable electronic device prevents a potential for loss or unintentional movement of the electronic pen and realizes improved portability by providing a stable mounting space for the electronic pen.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION(S)

This application is based on and claims priority under 35 U.S.C. § 119to Korean Patent Application No. 10-2019-0128996, filed on Oct. 17,2019, in the Korean Intellectual Property Office, the entire disclosureof which is incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND 1. Field

The disclosure relates generally to an electronic device, and moreparticularly, to an electronic device including an electronic pen.

2. Description of Related Art

In recent years, as functional gaps between the manufacturers ofelectronic devices have significantly decreased, efforts have been madeto increase the strength of electronic devices, which continue to becomemore slim to satisfy consumer demands and distinguish functionalelements. Shapes of the electronic devices are gradually changing. Forexample, the electronic devices may have a deformable structure in whicha large screen display may be used while in transit. Foldable electronicdevices in which a plurality of housings are operated while contactingeach other have been introduced.

A multi-foldable electronic device may include a plurality of housingsthat perform a folding operation when the housings are folded withrespect to each other. A large-screen display may be used in an unfoldedstate and the volume thereof may be reduced in a folded state, enhancingease of portability of the foldable electronic device. The foldableelectronic device may be operated in an out-folding scheme in which adisplay is exposed to the outside when a plurality of housings arefolded, an in-folding scheme in which the display is not exposed to theoutside, or a complex folding scheme in which both the out-foldingscheme and the in-folding scheme are used such that only a portion ofthe display is exposed to the outside.

The electronic device may include an electronic pen (e.g., a stylus pen)detachably disposed as an accessory electronic device. The electronicpen may perform an input through a detection panel (e.g., a digitizer ora touch panel) disposed in the interior of the electronic device. Theelectronic pen provides ease of input, but the portability of thefoldable electronic device tends to be compromised. For example, theelectronic pen being embedded in the electronic device may hamperslimness of the electronic device. In addition, the electronic pen beingarbitrarily attached to an outer surface of the electronic devicethrough a magnetic force tends to cause an unstable attachment state,resulting in loss of the electronic pen and potential damage thedisplay.

Therefore, there is a need in the art for an electronic device whichmore conveniently and safely stows the electronic pen.

SUMMARY

The disclosure is provided to address at least the above-mentionedproblems and/or disadvantages and to provide at least the advantagesdescribed below.

Accordingly, an aspect of the disclosure is to provide a foldableelectronic device including an electronic pen, wherein the foldableelectronic device prevents a potential for loss or unintentionalmovement of the electronic pen and realizes improved portability byproviding a stable mounting space for the electronic pen.

Another aspect of the disclosure is to provide a foldable electronicdevice including an electronic pen, which provides a stable mountingspace while contributing to slimness of the electronic device.

Another aspect of the disclosure is to provide a foldable electronicdevice including an electronic pen, which can perform a chargingfunction in various charging modes.

In accordance with an aspect of the disclosure, there is provided anelectronic device including a foldable housing comprising a firsthousing, a second housing connected to one side of the first housing andbeing rotatable through a first hinge module and disposed to at leastpartially face the first housing in a folded state, and a third housingconnected to an opposite side of the first housing and being rotatablethrough a second hinge module and disposed to at least partially facethe first housing in a folded state, wherein, in a folded state, thefoldable housing further comprises a pen accommodating part definedthrough a spaced space between a first edge of the second housing and asecond edge of the third housing, a flexible display extending from atleast a portion of the second housing to at least a portion of the thirdhousing through the first housing, and an electronic pen at leastpartially accommodated in the pen accommodating part and comprising atleast one magnetic force reaction member inside the electronic pen,wherein the electronic device further comprises at least one magneticforce generating member disposed around the first edge of the secondhousing and/or the second edge of the third housing, and wherein, whenthe electronic pen is mounted in the pen accommodating part, thelocation of the electronic pen is maintained through the magnetic forcereaction member.

In accordance with another aspect of the disclosure, there is providedan electronic device including a foldable housing comprising a firsthousing, a second housing connected to one side of the first housing andbeing rotatable through a first hinge module and disposed to at leastpartially face the first housing in a folded state, and a third housingconnected to an opposite side of the first housing and being rotatablethrough a second hinge module and disposed to at least partially facethe first housing in a folded state, wherein, in a folded state, thefoldable housing comprises a pen accommodating part defined through aspaced space between a first edge of the second housing and a secondedge of the third housing, a flexible display extending from at least aportion of the second housing to at least a portion of the third housingthrough the first housing, a wireless charging module disposed in aninterior space of the electronic device, the wireless charging modulecomprising a first coil member disposed to a vicinity of the first edgeof the second housing and connected to a first charging circuit, and asecond coil member disposed to a vicinity of the second edge of thethird housing and connected to a second charging circuit, and anelectronic pen at least partially accommodated in the pen accommodatingpart and comprising at least one third coil member connected to a thirdcharging circuitry inside the electronic pen, wherein, when theelectronic pen is mounted in the pen accommodating part, the third coilmember is disposed at a location at which the third coil membermaintains in an arrangement state in which the third coil memberperforms a wireless charging operation with the first coil member and/orthe second coil member.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The above and other aspects, features, and advantages of certainembodiments of the disclosure will be more apparent from the followingdetailed description, taken in conjunction with the accompanyingdrawings, in which:

FIG. 1 illustrates an electronic device in a network environmentaccording to an embodiment;

FIG. 2A illustrates a front surface of a foldable electronic deviceaccording to an embodiment;

FIG. 2B illustrates a rear surface of a foldable electronic deviceaccording to an embodiment;

FIG. 3 illustrates when an electronic pen is disposed in a penaccommodating part of a foldable electronic device that is operated in afirst folding scheme according to an embodiment;

FIG. 4A illustrates an internal configuration of a foldable electronicdevice when an electronic pen is disposed in a pen accommodating partaccording to an embodiment;

FIG. 4B is a partially cross-sectional view illustrating an internalconfiguration of a foldable electronic device when an electronic pen isdisposed in a pen accommodating part according to an embodiment;

FIG. 4C illustrates a configuration of a foldable electronic deviceaccording to an embodiment;

FIG. 5 illustrates when an electronic pen is disposed in a penaccommodating part of a foldable electronic device according to anembodiment;

FIG. 6A illustrates a foldable electronic device when a display isviewed from the top in a folded state of the foldable electronic deviceaccording to an embodiment;

FIG. 6B is a partially cross-sectional view illustrating an operationalstate of a foldable electronic device according to an embodiment;

FIG. 7 is a partially cross-sectional view illustrating an internalconfiguration of a foldable electronic device according to anembodiment;

FIG. 8 illustrates when an electronic pen is disposed in a penaccommodating part of a foldable electronic device according to anembodiment;

FIG. 9 is a partially cross-sectional view illustrating an operationalstate of a foldable electronic device according to an embodiment;

FIG. 10A illustrates a foldable electronic device having a wirelesscharging structure according to an embodiment;

FIG. 10B is a partially sectional view of a foldable electronic devicehaving a wireless charging structure according to an embodiment;

FIG. 11 illustrates a block diagram of an electronic device for wirelesscharging of an electronic pen according to an embodiment;

FIG. 12 illustrates a wireless charging procedure for an electronic penaccording to an embodiment;

FIG. 13 is a configuration of a part of a foldable electronic deviceillustrating flows of a current for high-speed charging of an electronicpen according to an embodiment;

FIG. 14 is a partially cross-sectional view of a foldable deviceillustrating an automatic opening/closing configuration of a housingthrough an electronic pen according to an embodiment; and

FIG. 15A is a perspective view of a foldable electronic device having anelectronic pen according to an embodiment; and

FIG. 15B is a partially sectional view of a foldable electronic devicehaving an electronic pen according to an embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The following description with reference to the accompanying drawings isprovided to assist in a comprehensive understanding of variousembodiments of the disclosure as defined by the claims and theirequivalents. It includes various specific details to assist in thatunderstanding but these are to be regarded as merely exemplary.Accordingly, those of ordinary skill in the art will recognize thatvarious changes and modifications of the various embodiments describedherein can be made without departing from the scope and spirit of thedisclosure. In addition, descriptions of well-known functions andconstructions are omitted for clarity and conciseness.

The terms and words used in the following description and claims are notlimited to the bibliographical meanings, but, are merely used by theinventor to enable a clear and consistent understanding of thedisclosure. Accordingly, it should be apparent to those skilled in theart that the following description of various embodiments of thedisclosure is provided for illustration purpose only and not for thepurpose of limiting the disclosure as defined by the appended claims andtheir equivalents.

It is to be understood that the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the”include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.Thus reference to “a component surface” includes reference to one ormore of such surfaces.

FIG. 1 illustrates an electronic device in a network environmentaccording to an embodiment.

Referring to FIG. 1, an electronic device 101 in a network environment100 may communicate with an electronic device 102 via a first network198 (e.g., a short-range wireless communication network), or anelectronic device 104 or a server 108 via a second network 199 (e.g., along-range wireless communication network). The electronic device 101may communicate with the electronic device 104 via the server 108. Theelectronic device 101 includes a processor 120, memory 130, an inputdevice 150, an audio output device 155, a display device 160, an audiomodule 170, a sensor module 176, an interface 177, a haptic module 179,a camera module 180, a power management module 188, a battery 189, acommunication module 190, a subscriber identity module (SIM) 196, or anantenna module 197. In some embodiments, at least one (e.g., the displaydevice 160 or the camera module 180) of the components may be omittedfrom the electronic device 101, or one or more other components may beadded in the electronic device 101. In some embodiments, some of thecomponents may be implemented as single integrated circuitry. Forexample, the sensor module 176 (e.g., a fingerprint sensor, an irissensor, or an illuminance sensor) may be implemented as embedded in thedisplay device 160 (e.g., a display).

The processor 120 may execute software (e.g., a program 140) to controlat least one other component (e.g., a hardware or software component) ofthe electronic device 101 coupled with the processor 120, and mayperform various data processing or computation. As at least part of thedata processing or computation, the processor 120 may load a command ordata received from another component (e.g., the sensor module 176 or thecommunication module 190) in volatile memory 132, process the command orthe data stored in the volatile memory 132, and store resulting data innon-volatile memory 134. The processor 120 may include a main processor121 (e.g., a central processing unit (CPU) or an application processor(AP)), and an auxiliary processor 123 (e.g., a graphics processing unit(GPU), an image signal processor (ISP), a sensor hub processor, or acommunication processor (CP)) that is operable independently from, or inconjunction with, the main processor 121. Additionally or alternatively,the auxiliary processor 123 may be adapted to consume less power thanthe main processor 121, or to be specific to a specified function. Theauxiliary processor 123 may be implemented as separate from, or as partof the main processor 121.

The auxiliary processor 123 may control at least some of functions orstates related to at least one component (e.g., the display device 160,the sensor module 176, or the communication module 190) among thecomponents of the electronic device 101, instead of the main processor121 while the main processor 121 is in an inactive (e.g., sleep) state,or together with the main processor 121 while the main processor 121 isin an active state (e.g., executing an application). The auxiliaryprocessor 123 (e.g., an ISP or a CP) may be implemented as part ofanother component (e.g., the camera module 180 or the communicationmodule 190) functionally related to the auxiliary processor 123.

The memory 130 may store various data used by at least one component(e.g., the processor 120 or the sensor module 176) of the electronicdevice 101. The various data may include software (e.g., the program140) and input data or output data for a command related thereto. Thememory 130 may include the volatile memory 132 or the non-volatilememory 134. The non-volatile memory 134 may include an internal memory136 or external memory 138.

The program 140 may be stored in the memory 130 as software, and mayinclude an operating system (OS) 142, middleware 144, or an application146.

The input device 150 may receive a command or data to be used by anothercomponent (e.g., the processor 120) of the electronic device 101, fromthe outside (e.g., a user) of the electronic device 101. The inputdevice 150 may include a microphone, a mouse, a keyboard, or a digitalpen (e.g., a stylus pen).

The audio output device 155 may output sound signals to the outside ofthe electronic device 101. The audio output device 155 may include aspeaker or a receiver. The speaker may be used for general purposes,such as playing multimedia or playing record, and the receiver may beused for an incoming calls. The receiver may be implemented as separatefrom, or as part of the speaker.

The display device 160 may visually provide information to the outside(e.g., a user) of the electronic device 101. The display device 160 mayinclude a display, a hologram device, or a projector and controlcircuitry to control a corresponding one of the display, hologramdevice, and projector. The display device 160 may include touchcircuitry adapted to detect a touch, or sensor circuitry (e.g., apressure sensor) adapted to measure the intensity of force incurred bythe touch.

The audio module 170 may convert a sound into an electrical signal andvice versa. The audio module 170 may obtain the sound via the inputdevice 150, or output the sound via the audio output device 155 or aheadphone of an external electronic device (e.g., an electronic device102) directly (e.g., wiredly) or wirelessly coupled with the electronicdevice 101.

The sensor module 176 may detect an operational state (e.g., power ortemperature) of the electronic device 101 or an environmental state(e.g., a state of a user) external to the electronic device 101, andthen generate an electrical signal or data value corresponding to thedetected state. The sensor module 176 may include a gesture sensor, agyro sensor, an atmospheric pressure sensor, a magnetic sensor, anacceleration sensor, a grip sensor, a proximity sensor, a color sensor,an infrared (IR) sensor, a biometric sensor, a temperature sensor, ahumidity sensor, or an illuminance sensor.

The interface 177 may support one or more specified protocols to be usedfor the electronic device 101 to be coupled with the external electronicdevice (e.g., the electronic device 102) directly (e.g., wiredly) orwirelessly. The interface 177 may include a high definition multimediainterface (HDMI), a universal serial bus (USB) interface, a securedigital (SD) card interface, or an audio interface.

A connection terminal 178 may include a connector via which theelectronic device 101 may be physically connected with the externalelectronic device (e.g., the electronic device 102). The connectionterminal 178 may include an HDMI connector, a USB connector, an SD cardconnector, or an audio connector (e.g., a headphone connector).

The haptic module 179 may convert an electrical signal into a mechanicalstimulus (e.g., a vibration or a movement) or electrical stimulus whichmay be recognized by a user via his tactile sensation or kinestheticsensation. The haptic module 179 may include a motor, a piezoelectricelement, or an electric stimulator.

The camera module 180 may capture a still image or moving images. Thecamera module 180 may include one or more lenses, image sensors, imagesignal processors, or flashes.

The power management module 188 may manage power supplied to theelectronic device 101. The power management module 188 may beimplemented as at least part of a power management integrated circuit(PMIC).

The battery 189 may supply power to at least one component of theelectronic device 101. The battery 189 may include a primary cell whichis not rechargeable, a secondary cell which is rechargeable, or a fuelcell.

The communication module 190 may support establishing a direct (e.g.,wired) communication channel or a wireless communication channel betweenthe electronic device 101 and the external electronic device (e.g., theelectronic device 102, the electronic device 104, or the server 108) andperforming communication via the established communication channel. Thecommunication module 190 may include one or more communicationprocessors that are operable independently from the processor 120 (e.g.,the AP) and supports a direct (e.g., wired) communication or a wirelesscommunication. The communication module 190 may include a wirelesscommunication module 192 (e.g., a cellular communication module, ashort-range wireless communication module, or a global navigationsatellite system (GNSS) communication module) or a wired communicationmodule 194 (e.g., a local area network (LAN) communication module or apower line communication (PLC) module). A corresponding one of thesecommunication modules may communicate with the external electronicdevice via the first network 198 (e.g., a short-range communicationnetwork, such as Bluetooth™, wireless-fidelity (Wi-Fi) direct, or astandard of the infrared Data Association (IrDA)) or the second network199 (e.g., a long-range communication network, such as a cellularnetwork, the Internet, or a computer network (e.g., LAN or wide areanetwork (WAN)). These various types of communication modules may beimplemented as a single component (e.g., a single chip), or may beimplemented as multi components (e.g., multi chips) separate from eachother. The wireless communication module 192 may identify andauthenticate the electronic device 101 in a communication network, suchas the first network 198 or the second network 199, using subscriberinformation (e.g., international mobile subscriber identity (IMSI))stored in the SIM 196.

The antenna module 197 may transmit or receive a signal or power to orfrom the outside (e.g., the external electronic device) of theelectronic device 101. The antenna module 197 may include an antennaincluding a radiating element composed of a conductive material or aconductive pattern formed in or on a substrate (e.g., a printed circuitboard (PCB)). The antenna module 197 may include a plurality ofantennas. In such a case, at least one antenna appropriate for acommunication scheme used in the communication network, such as thefirst network 198 or the second network 199, may be selected by thecommunication module 190 (e.g., the wireless communication module 192)from the plurality of antennas. The signal or the power may then betransmitted or received between the communication module 190 and theexternal electronic device via the selected at least one antenna.Another component (e.g., a radio frequency integrated circuit (RFIC))other than the radiating element may be additionally formed as part ofthe antenna module 197.

At least some of the above-described components may be coupled mutuallyand communicate signals (e.g., commands or data) therebetween via aninter-peripheral communication scheme (e.g., a bus, general purposeinput and output (GPIO), serial peripheral interface (SPI), or mobileindustry processor interface (MIPI)).

Commands or data may be transmitted or received between the electronicdevice 101 and the external electronic device 104 via the server 108coupled with the second network 199. Each of the electronic devices 102and 104 may be a device of a same type as, or a different type, from theelectronic device 101. All or some of operations to be executed at theelectronic device 101 may be executed at one or more of the externalelectronic devices 102, 104, or 108. For example, if the electronicdevice 101 should perform a function or a service automatically, or inresponse to a request from a user or another device, the electronicdevice 101, instead of, or in addition to, executing the function or theservice, may request the one or more external electronic devices toperform at least part of the function or the service. The one or moreexternal electronic devices receiving the request may perform the atleast part of the function or the service requested, or an additionalfunction or an additional service related to the request, and transferan outcome of the performing to the electronic device 101. Theelectronic device 101 may provide the outcome, with or without furtherprocessing of the outcome, as at least part of a reply to the request.To that end, a cloud computing, distributed computing, or client-servercomputing technology may be used, for example.

An electronic device according to an embodiment may be one of varioustypes of electronic devices. The electronic device may include aportable communication device (e.g., a smart phone), a computer device,a portable multimedia device, a portable medical device, a camera, awearable device, or a home appliance. However, the electronic device isnot limited to any of those described above.

Various embodiments of the disclosure and the terms used herein are notintended to limit the technological features set forth herein toparticular embodiments and include various changes, equivalents, orreplacements for a corresponding embodiment.

With regard to the description of the drawings, similar referencenumerals may be used to refer to similar or related elements.

A singular form of a noun corresponding to an item may include one ormore of the things, unless the relevant context clearly indicatesotherwise. As used herein, each of such phrases as “A or B”, “at leastone of A and B”, “at least one of A or B”, “A, B, or C”, “at least oneof A, B, and C”, and “at least one of A, B, or C” may include any oneof, or all possible combinations of the items enumerated together in acorresponding one of the phrases.

As used herein, such terms as “1st” and “2nd”, or “first” and “second”may be used to simply distinguish a corresponding component fromanother, and does not limit the components in other aspect (e.g.,importance or order). If an element (e.g., a first element) is referredto, with or without the term “operatively” or “communicatively”, as“coupled with”, “coupled to”, “connected with”, or “connected to”another element (e.g., a second element), it means that the element maybe coupled with the other element directly (e.g., wiredly), wirelessly,or via a third element.

The term “module” may include a unit implemented in hardware, software,or firmware, and may interchangeably be used with other terms, forexample, “logic”, “logic block”, “part”, or “circuitry”. A module may bea single integral component, or a minimum unit or part thereof, adaptedto perform one or more functions. For example, according to anembodiment, the module may be implemented in a form of anapplication-specific integrated circuit (ASIC).

Various embodiments as set forth herein may be implemented as software(e.g., the program 140) including one or more instructions that arestored in a storage medium (e.g., internal memory 136 or external memory138) that is readable by a machine (e.g., the electronic device 101).For example, a processor (e.g., the processor 120) of the machine (e.g.,the electronic device 101) may invoke at least one of the one or moreinstructions stored in the storage medium, and execute it, with orwithout using one or more other components under the control of theprocessor. This allows the machine to be operated to perform at leastone function according to the at least one instruction invoked. The oneor more instructions may include a code generated by a complier or acode executable by an interpreter. The machine-readable storage mediummay be provided in the form of a non-transitory storage medium. Wherein,the term “non-transitory” simply means that the storage medium is atangible device, and does not include a signal (e.g., an electromagneticwave), but this term does not differentiate between where data issemi-permanently stored in the storage medium and where the data istemporarily stored in the storage medium.

A method according to an embodiment of the disclosure may be includedand provided in a computer program product. The computer program productmay be traded as a product between a seller and a buyer. The computerprogram product may be distributed in the form of a machine-readablestorage medium (e.g., compact disc read only memory (CD-ROM)), or bedistributed (e.g., downloaded or uploaded) online via an applicationstore (e.g., PlayStore™), or between two user devices (e.g., smartphones) directly. If distributed online, at least part of the computerprogram product may be temporarily generated or at least temporarilystored in the machine-readable storage medium, such as memory of themanufacturer's server, a server of the application store, or a relayserver.

Each component (e.g., a module or a program) of the above-describedcomponents may include a single entity or multiple entities. One or moreof the above-described components may be omitted, or one or more othercomponents may be added. Alternatively or additionally, a plurality ofcomponents (e.g., modules or programs) may be integrated into a singlecomponent. In such a case, the integrated component may still performone or more functions of each of the plurality of components in the sameor similar manner as they are performed by a corresponding one of theplurality of components before the integration. Operations performed bythe module, the program, or another component may be carried outsequentially, in parallel, repeatedly, or heuristically, or one or moreof the operations may be executed in a different order or omitted, orone or more other operations may be added.

FIG. 2A illustrates a front surface of a foldable electronic device 200according to an embodiment, and FIG. 2B illustrates a rear surface of afoldable electronic device 200 according to an embodiment.

The foldable electronic device 200 of FIGS. 2A and 2B may be partlysimilar to the electronic device 101 of FIG. 1 or may include otherembodiments of an electronic device.

Referring to FIGS. 2A and 2B, an electronic device 200 (e.g., amulti-foldable electronic device) may include a first housing 210, asecond housing 220, and a third housing 230 that are disposed to berotated with respect to each other. The first housing 210 and the secondhousing 220 may be connected to each other to be rotatable withreference to a first axis X1 of rotation through a first hinge module261. The first housing 210 and the third housing 230 may be connected toeach other to be rotatable with reference to a second axis X2 ofrotation through a second hinge module 262. For example, the secondhousing 220 may be coupled to one side of the first housing 210 throughthe first hinge module 261, and the third housing 230 may be coupled toan opposite side of the first housing 210 through the second hingemodule 262.

The first housing 210 may include a first surface 211, a second surface212 facing a direction that is opposite to the first surface 211, and afirst side member 213 surrounding a first space between the firstsurface 211 and the second surface 212. The second housing 220 mayinclude a third surface 221, a fourth surface 222 facing a directionthat is opposite to the third surface 221, and a second side member 223surrounding a second space between the third surface 221 and the fourthsurface 222. The third housing 230 may include a fifth surface 231, asixth surface 232 facing a direction that is opposite to the fifthsurface 231, and a third side member 233 surrounding a third spacebetween the fifth surface 231 and the sixth surface 232.

At least a portion of the first housing 210, the second housing 220,and/or the third housing 230 may be formed of a metallic material or anonmetallic material having a selected strength to support the display240. Portions facing the first surface 211, the third surface 221, andthe fifth surface 231 of the first housing 210, the second housing 220,and/or the third housing 230 may be formed of a support plate (e.g., asupport member or a support structure) for supporting the display 240.The first housing 210, the second housing 220, and/or the third housing230 are formed of a metallic material, the side members 213, 223, and233 may include conductive parts that are at least partiallyelectrically isolated, and the isolated conductive parts areelectrically connected to a wireless communication circuit and thus maybe operated as at least one antenna (e.g., a legacy antenna) that isoperated at a predetermined frequency band.

The second surface 212, the fourth surface 222, and the sixth surface232 may include a rear cover which is formed of portions of the firsthousing 210, the second housing 220, and the third housing 230, or inwhich the first housing 210, the second housing 220, and the thirdhousing 230 are structurally coupled to each other. The rear cover maybe formed of coated or colored glass, ceramics, a polymer, a metal(e.g., aluminum, stainless steel (STS), or magnesium), or a combinationof at least two thereof. As another embodiment, the electronic device200 may further include a display that is additionally disposed on anyone of the second surface 212, the fourth surface 222, or the sixthsurface 232 according to a folding scheme.

When the foldable electronic device 200 is completely unfolded, thedisplay 240 (e.g., the flexible display) may be disposed at up to atleast a portion of the fifth surface 231 from the third surface 221through the first surface 211. The display 240 may include a firstdisplay area DA1 facing the first housing 210, a second display area DA2facing the second housing 220, and a third display area DA3 facing thethird housing 230. The display areas DA1, DA2, and DA3 may be deformedsuch that the housings 210, 220, and 230 and the display 240 face eachother or face opposite directions through rotational operations of thehinge modules 261 and 262.

The foldable electronic device 200 may include at least one electroniccomponent that is disposed below at least a partial area of the display240 or disposed to be exposed through an opening (e.g., a punch hole)provided in at least a portion of the display 240. The at least oneelectronic component may include at least one sensor module 215 that isdisposed in at least one camera module 214 (e.g., a front camera module)exposed through the opening of the display 240 and/or on a rear surfaceof the display 240 to detect an external environment. The at least onecamera module 214 may be disposed on the first display area DA1, or maybe disposed in the second display area DA2 and/or the third display areaDA3.

The at least one sensor module 215 may include at least one of aproximity sensor, an illumination sensor, an iris recognition sensor, anultrasonic wave sensor, a fingerprint recognition sensor, a distancedetection sensor (a time of flight (TOF) sensor), or an indicator.Alternatively, the at least one electronic component may be disposed inthe second display area DA2 and/or the third display area DA3. Forexample, the electronic device 200 is at least one sensor module 215,and may include two or more proximity sensors disposed in the firstdisplay area DA1 with reference to the first axis X1 of rotation. Asanother alternative, the proximity sensor may be disposed in the seconddisplay area DA2 and/or the third display area DA3. As anotheralternative, when the electronic device is operated in an out-foldingscheme, one proximity sensor may be disposed in each of the firstdisplay area DA1, the second display area DA2, and the third displayarea DA3. The electronic device 200 may also include at least oneproximity/illumination sensor that is disposed in a gap space whileavoiding the pen accommodating part (e.g., the pen accommodating part250 of FIG. 3) when a gap is present between the first edge 224 and thesecond edge 234 due to the pen accommodating part in the electronicdevice 200 during a folding operation. The electronic device 200 mayinclude a receiver 216 disposed through at least a portion of the firsthousing 210. Alternatively, the receiver 216 may be disposed in thesecond housing 220 and/or the third housing 230. The receiver 216 mayalso include a piezoelectric speaker disposed under the display 240 inat least one of the first housing 210, the second housing 220, or thethird housing 230. The foldable electronic device 200 may include aninterface connector port, an ear jack hole, an external speaker module,an external card (a subscriber identity module (SIM) card, a universalsubscriber identity module (UIM) card, or an secure digital (SD) card)tray or at least one key button disposed through the first housing 210,the second housing 220, and/or the third housing 230. The foldableelectronic device 200 may further include at least one camera module 256disposed through the second surface 212 of the first housing 210 to beexposed to the outside in an unfolded state.

The foldable electronic device 200 may be disposed such that all of thedisplay areas DA1, DA2, and DA3 are exposed to the outside in a foldedstate through a first folding scheme (e.g., the out-folding scheme). Thefoldable electronic device 200 may be disposed such that none of thedisplay areas DA1, DA2, and DA3 is exposed to the outside in a foldedstate through a second folding scheme (e.g., the in-folding scheme). Thefoldable electronic device 200 may be disposed such that any one of thedisplay areas DA1, DA2, and DA3 is disposed to the outside in a foldedstate through a complex folding scheme. The foldable electronic device200 may include a pen accommodating part 250 that is disposed throughthe first edge 224 that is a portion of the second side member 223 ofthe second housing 220 and the second edge 234 that is a portion of thethird side member 233 of the third housing 230, which are disposed toface each other in a folded state of the foldable electronic device 200to accommodate an electronic pen.

FIG. 3 illustrates when an electronic pen 300 is disposed in the penaccommodating part 250 of the foldable electronic device 200 that isoperated in the first folding scheme (e.g., the out-folding type)according to an embodiment.

Referring to FIG. 3, and with reference to elements in FIGS. 2A and 2B,in the folded state of the foldable electronic device 200, the secondhousing 220 may be operated such that a second display area DA2 faces adirection that is opposite to a portion of a first display area DA1, andthe third housing 200 may be operated such that a third display area DA3faces a direction that is opposite to a portion of the first displayarea DA1. The foldable electronic device 200 may be disposed such thatthe first edge 224 that is a portion of the second side member 223 ofthe second housing 220 and the second edge 234 that is a portion of thethird side member 233 of the third housing 230 may face each other inthe folded state of the foldable electronic device 200. The first edge224 and the second edge 234 may be spaced apart from each other by apredetermined distance, and the spaced space may be applied to the penaccommodating part 250. Accordingly, the spaced distance d1 between thefirst edge 224 and the second edge 234 that define the pen accommodatingpart 250 may be determined according to the thickness or the outerdiameter of the electronic pen 300.

The foldable electronic device 200 may include an electronic pen 300disposed to be attached or detached through the pen accommodating part250. When mounted in the pen accommodating part 250, the electronic pen300 may correspond to an outer surface (e.g., the third surface 221and/or the fourth surface 222 of the second housing 220 or the fifthsurface 231 and/or the sixth surface 232 of the third housing 230) ofthe foldable electronic device 200 or may be disposed to be lower thanthe outer surface of the foldable electronic device 200. The electronicpen 300 may also be disposed to protrude at least partially farther thanthe foldable electronic device 200 in the pen accommodating part 250.

FIG. 4A illustrates an internal configuration of a foldable electronicdevice 200 when an electronic pen 300 is disposed in a pen accommodatingpart 250 according to an embodiment, and FIG. 4B is a partiallycross-sectional view illustrating an internal configuration of afoldable electronic device 200 when an electronic pen 300 is disposed ina pen accommodating part 250 according to an embodiment.

Referring to FIGS. 4A and 4B, a foldable electronic device 200 mayprovide a fixing structure for fixing the location of the electronic pen300 such that any unintentional movement of the electronic pen 300disposed in the pen accommodating part 250 is prevented. The foldableelectronic device 200 may include a first magnetic force generatingmember 225 disposed around the first edge 224 in an interior space 2201of the second housing 220, and a second magnetic force generating member235 disposed around the second edge 234 in an interior space 2301 of thethird housing 230. Each of the magnetic force generating members 225 and235 may include a magnet.

The electronic pen 300 may include a first magnetic force reactionmember 310 disposed in a location where the first magnetic forcereaction member 310 is affected by a magnetic force of the firstmagnetic force generating member 225 when the electronic pen is disposedin the pen accommodating part 250 and a second magnetic force reactionmember 320 disposed at a location at which the second magnetic forcereaction member 320 is affected by a magnetic force of the secondmagnetic force generating member 235 in an interior space thereof. Eachof the first magnetic force reaction member 310 and the second magneticforce reaction member 320 may include an iron piece or a magnet thatreacts with the magnetic force of the magnetic force generating members225 and 235. When being formed of a magnet, the first magnetic forcereaction member 310 and the second magnetic force reaction member 320may be disposed in consideration of arrangement of polarities whichapplies attractive forces with the magnets used for the first magneticforce generating member 225 and the second magnetic force generatingmember 235.

The electronic pen 300 may be firmly fixed to the pen accommodating part250 by disposing the first magnetic force generating member 225 and thesecond magnetic force generating member 235 at locations that aresymmetrical to each other in inclined directions with respect to the penaccommodating part 250. The magnetic force generating members may bedisposed at locations of the first edge and the second edge, which faceeach other. One or more magnetic force generating members may bedisposed in any one of the first edge 224 or the second edge 234. Fouror more magnetic force generating members and four or more magneticforce reaction members may be disposed. In this case, two magnetic forcegenerating members that are spaced apart from each other by apredetermined distance may be disposed in each of the edges 224 and 234.

Each of the first magnetic force generating member 225 and the secondmagnetic force generating member 235 may include an electromagnet thatgenerates a magnetic force as a selective voltage is applied to theelectromagnet. Each of the first magnetic force reaction member 310 andthe second magnetic force reaction member 320 may include a magnet, andwhen it is necessary to separate the electronic pen 300 from the penaccommodating part 250, the electronic pen 300 may be pushed to theoutside through a repulsive force against the magnet, which is generatedas a voltage is applied to the electromagnet through an external input(e.g., a key button). In contrast, when the electronic pen 300 ismounted in the pen accommodating part 250, the attachment state of theelectronic pen 300 to the pen accommodating part 250 may be maintainedby an attractive force, by which the iron core of the electromagnet ispulled by the magnetic force of the magnet by interrupting the power ofthe electromagnet.

FIG. 4C illustrates a configuration of a foldable electronic device 200according to an embodiment.

Referring to FIG. 4C, the foldable electronic device 200 may include afirst magnetic force detecting sensor 2251 disposed in the first edge224 of the second housing 220 to face the second magnetic forcegenerating member 235 disposed in the second edge 234 of the thirdhousing 230 in the folded state of the foldable electronic device 200,and a second magnetic force detecting sensor 2351 disposed in the secondedge 234 of the third housing 230 to face the first magnetic forcegenerating member 225 disposed in the first edge 224 of the secondhousing 220. Each of the first magnetic force detecting sensor 2251 andthe second magnetic force detecting sensor 2351 may include a Hallsensor.

The electronic device 200 may detect a folding operation of theelectronic device 200 through the first magnetic force detecting sensor2251 and the second magnetic force detecting sensor 2351. The electronicdevice 200 may detect a mounting state of the electronic pen 300accommodated in the pen accommodating part 250 through the firstmagnetic force detecting sensor 2251 and the second magnetic forcedetecting sensor 2351. For example, even though any one of the magneticforce detecting sensors 2251 and 2351 detects another magnetic force inthe unfolded state of the electronic device 200, a folding operationerror can be prevented through the remaining magnetic force detectingsensors.

FIG. 5 illustrates when an electronic pen 300 is disposed in the penaccommodating part 250 of the foldable electronic device 200 accordingto an embodiment. FIG. 6A illustrates a foldable electronic device whena display is viewed from the top in a folded state of the foldableelectronic device according to an embodiment. FIG. 6B is a partiallycross-sectional view illustrating an operational state of a foldableelectronic device 200 according to an embodiment.

Referring to FIGS. 5, 6A, and 6B, a foldable electronic device 200 mayinclude a first recess 2241 disposed in the first edge 224 of the secondhousing 220, and a second recess 2341 disposed in the second edge 234 ofthe third housing 230. The electronic pen 300 may maintain an attachmentstate in the pen accommodating part 250 through the structural shapes ofthe first recess 2241 and the second recess 2341, in addition to themagnetic forces. The first recess 2241 may be lower than an outersurface of the first edge 224, and may have a shape and a length bywhich at least a portion of the outer surface of the electronic pen 300may be accommodated. Similarly, the second recess 2341 may be lower thanan outer surface of the second edge 234, and may have a shape and alength by which at least a portion of the outer surface of theelectronic pen 300 may be accommodated. The first recess 2241 and thesecond recess 2341 may have a longer length than the length of theelectronic pen 300. The first recess 2241 and the second recess 2341 maybe formed of a material that is different from the material of thesecond side member 223 and the third side member 233. For example, thesecond side member 223 and the third side member 233 may be formed of ametallic member, and the first recess 2241 and the second recess 2341may be formed of a polymer that is injection-molded in the metallicmember. Alternatively, the first recess 2241 and the second recess 2341may be disposed to have a color that is different from the colors of thesurroundings to enhance visibility for secure mounting of the electronicpen 300 and an appealing design.

The first recess 2241 and the second recess 2341 may be disposed suchthat the distance d2 between the first edge 224 and the second edge 234at a location that is near the display is less than the distance d3between the first edge 224 and the second edge 234 at a location that isfar from the display 240, in the folded state of the electronic device.The first recess 2241 and the second recess 2341 may be disposed suchthat the distance between the first edge 224 and the second edge 234gradually increases as the distance from the display 240 increases.Through the shapes of the recesses 2241 and 2341, a gap between the twohousings 220 and 230 is minimized at the part of the display 240, and asize by which the electronic pen 300 may be smoothly accommodated may beprovided at an opposite part of the display 240.

The foldable electronic device 200 may maintain the attachment state ofthe electronic pen 300 in correspondence to the partially folded stateof the foldable electronic device 200 through the first recess 2241 andthe second recess 2341. As illustrated in FIG. 5, the electronic pen 300may maintain the attachment state through the second recess 2341 of thesecond edge 234 even though the foldable electronic device 200 is in thepartially folded state in which the third housing 230 maintains thefolded state and the second housing 220 is unfolded. In this case, theelectronic pen 300 may maintain the attachment state in the secondrecess 2341 through an attractive force between the second magneticforce generating member 235 disposed in the interior space 2301 of thethird housing 230 and the second magnetic force reaction member 320 ofthe electronic pen 300. In another embodiment, when only the thirdhousing 230 is unfolded, the electronic pen 300 may maintain theattachment state in the first recess 2241 through an attractive forcebetween the first magnetic force generating member 225 disposed in theinterior space 2201 of the second housing 220 and the first magneticforce reaction member 310 of the electronic pen 300.

Since the distance d2 between the first edge 224 and the second edge 234may further decrease through the first recess 2241 and the second recess2341 and the electronic pen 300 may be accommodated through the recesses2241 and 2341, the separation of the electronic pen 300 can be preventedand the coupling force of the electronic pen 300 can be furtherreinforced in the folded state of the foldable electronic device 200through the first recess 2241 and/or the second recess 2341. Because theelectronic pen 300 is separated from the first recess 2241 and remainsin the second recess 2341 through the structural shape of the secondrecess 2341 disposed in the third housing 230 when only the secondhousing 220 is unfolded, unintentional separation of the electronic pen300 from the pen accommodating part 250 can be prevented.

FIG. 7 is a partially cross-sectional view illustrating a configurationof a foldable electronic device 200 according to an embodiment.

Referring to FIG. 7, the foldable electronic device 200 may have aconfiguration that is substantially the same as the foldable electronicdevice of FIGS. 2A and 2B, and may be folded in the second foldingscheme (e.g., an in-folding scheme) through the first hinge module 261and the second hinge module 262.

Referring to FIG. 7, in the folded state of the foldable electronicdevice 200, the second housing 220 may be operated such that the seconddisplay area DA2 faces a portion of the first display area DA1, and thethird housing 200 may be operated such that the third display area DA3faces a portion of the first display area DA1.

The foldable electronic device 200 may be disposed such that the firstedge 224 that is a portion of the second side member 223 of the secondhousing 220 and the second edge 234 that is a portion of the third sidemember 233 of the third housing 230 may face each other in the foldedstate of the foldable electronic device 200. The first edge 224 and thesecond edge 234 may be spaced apart from each other by a predetermineddistance d4, and the pace may be applied to the pen accommodating part250. As described above, the foldable electronic device 200 mayaccommodate the electronic pen 300 in the pen accommodating part 250through the first magnetic force generating member 225, the secondmagnetic force generating member 235, the first magnetic force reactionmember 310, and the second magnetic force reaction member 320.

FIG. 8 illustrates when an electronic pen is disposed in a penaccommodating part of a foldable electronic device according to anembodiment. FIG. 9 is a partially cross-sectional view illustrating anoperational state of a foldable electronic device according to anembodiment.

Referring to FIGS. 8 and 9, through the second folding scheme, adistance d5 of the pen accommodating part 250 between the first edge 224and the second edge 234 of the first recess 2241 and the second recess2341 may be further widened. For example, the distance d5 of the penaccommodating part 250 may have a size by which at least the electronicpen 300 may be accommodated from the outside in the folded state.

The first recess 2241 and the second recess 2341 may be disposed suchthat the distance d5 between the first edge 224 and the second edge 234at a location that is far from the display is larger than the distanced6 between the first edge 224 and the second edge 234 at a location thatis near the display 240, in the folded state of the electronic device.For example, the first recess 2241 and the second recess 2341 may bedisposed such that the distance between the first edge 224 and thesecond edge 234 gradually increases as the distance from the display 240increases. Through the shapes of the recesses 2241 and 2341, a gapbetween the two housings 220 and 230 is minimized at the part of thedisplay 240, and a size by winch the electronic pen 300 may be smoothlyaccommodated may be provided at an opposite parr of the display 240.

As described above, the foldable electronic device 200 has a structurein which separation of the electronic pen 300 may be prevented throughthe first recess 2241 and/or the second recess 2341, in the foldedstate. For example, because the electronic pen 300 is joined to thefirst recess 2241 while being attached to the second recess 2341disposed in the third housing 230 and is separated only from the firstrecess 2241 when only the third housing 230 is unfolded, the electronicpen 300 is prevented from being unintentionally separated from thefoldable electronic device 200.

FIG. 10A illustrates a foldable electronic device 200 having a wirelesscharging structure according to an embodiment, and FIG. 10B is apartially sectional view of a foldable electronic device 200 having awireless charging structure according to an embodiment.

Referring to FIGS. 10A and 10B, a foldable electronic device 200 mayhave a charging structure for charging a battery included in theelectronic pen 300. The foldable electronic device 200 may include afirst coil member 226 disposed around the first edge 224 of the secondhousing 220, and a second coil member 236 disposed around the secondedge 234 of the third housing 230. The first coil member 226 may beelectrically connected to a first charging circuitry 201 disposed in thefoldable electronic device 200. The second coil member 236 may beelectrically connected to a second charging circuitry 202 disposed inthe foldable electronic device 202. Each of the first coil member 226and the second coil member 236 may include a coil member for wirelesspower transmission and may be independently operated through the firstcharging circuitry 201 and the second charging circuitry 202. Becausethe batteries may be independently disposed for the housings 220 and 230through independent arrangements of the charging circuits, power loss bylines can be minimized by separating the charging circuitries andminimizing the lengths of the power lines between the batteries and thecharging circuits. Alternatively, the first coil member 226 and thesecond coil member 236 may be controlled together through one chargingcircuit. The charging circuitry may be disposed in any of the housings.

The electronic pen 300 may include a third coil member 330 disposed at alocation for receiving wireless power between the first coil member 226and the second coil member 236 when the electronic pen 300 is disposedin the pen accommodating part 250. The third coil member 330 may includea coil member for wireless power reception. The third coil member 330may be disposed at a location at which the third coil member 330 may bearranged with the first coil member 226 and/or the second coil member236 side by side such that the third coil member 330 may performwireless charging with the first coil member 226 and/or the second coilmember 236 through the above-described fixing structure of the magneticforce generating members 225 and 235 and the magnetic force reactionmembers 310 and 320.

Each of the first coil member 226, the second coil member 236, and thethird coil member 330 may include a solenoid type coil, or may include aflat plate type coil of flexible printed circuit board (FPCB) type. Inanother embodiment, the third coil member may include a solenoid typecoil, and each of the first coil member 226 and the second coil member236 may include a flat plate type coil of an FPCB type. For example, itmay be important for the first coil member 226, the second coil member236, and the third coil member 330 to be disposed at locations where thethird coil member 330 may be arranged with the first coil member 226and/or the second coil member 236 side by side such that the third coilmember 330 may perform wireless charging with the first coil member 226and/or the second coil member 236 through the above-described fixingstructure of the magnetic force generating members 225 and 235 and themagnetic force reaction members 310 and 320 when the electronic pen 300is accommodated in the pen accommodating part 250.

The electronic device 200 may include a charging coil member disposed inthe first edge 224 of the second housing 220 or the second edge 234 ofthe third housing 230. The electronic device 200 may induce a user toaccommodate the electronic pen in the corresponding edge by displaying acharging alarm on the display around the edge, in which the coil memberis located, when the electronic pen 300 is accommodated in the penaccommodating part or when the remaining battery power of the electronicpen is low. At least one magnetic force generating member 225 or 235 maybe disposed in the edge in which the charging coil is present.

FIG. 11 illustrates a block diagram of a foldable electronic device 200for wireless charging of an electronic pen 300 according to anembodiment.

Referring to FIG. 11, the foldable electronic device 200 may include abattery 205 disposed in the first housing 210, a first magnetic forcedetecting sensor 203 configured to detect a magnetic force of the firstmagnetic force generating member 225 disposed in the second housing 220in the folded state of the foldable electronic device 200, a secondmagnetic force detecting sensor 203 (e.g., a Hall sensor) configured todetect a magnetic force of the second magnetic force generating member235 disposed in the third housing 220, and at least one processor 206configured to receive folding state information of the second housing220 and/or the third housing 230 based on sensing information of thefirst magnetic force detecting sensor 203 and the second magnetic forcedetecting sensor 204. The battery 205 may be individually disposed inthe second housing 220 and/or the third housing 230 in parallel. Theprocessor 206 may detect the folding state of the second housing 220and/or the third housing according to the sensing information of thefirst magnetic force detecting sensor 203 and/or the second magneticforce detecting sensor 204. The electronic device 200 may detect thefolding state through another sensor (e.g., a gyro sensor or anillumination sensor) disposed inside the electronic device 200. Theprocessor 206 may determine a mounting state of the electronic pen 300based on the intensity (e.g., a voltage change detection signal in acharging circuitry corresponding to a magnetic field signal received bythe coil member) of a magnetic field signal received by at least onecoil member 2265 or 236, which has been received through the firstcharging circuitry 201 and/or the second charging circuitry 202. Amounting state of the electronic pen 300 may also be determined bydetecting the magnetic force of the magnet used as a magnetic forcereaction member embedded in the electronic pen 300 with a magnetic forcedetecting sensor. The processor 206 may determine a charging mode (e.g.,a general charging mode or a high-speed charging mode) through a thirdcharging circuitry 301 disposed in the electronic pen 300 by controllingthe first charging circuitry 201 and the second charging circuitry 202based on the intensity of the magnetic field signal received by the atleast one coil member 226 or 236. The processor 206 may determine acharging mode of the electronic pen 300 based on magnetic forcedetection information detected through the first magnetic forcedetecting sensor 203 or the second magnetic force detecting sensor 204and folding state information of the second housing 220 or the thirdhousing 230. The processor 206 may control the foldable electronicdevice 200 to enter the high-speed charging mode only when both housings220 and 230 are folded even though the mounting state of the electronicpen 300 is recognized through the plurality of coil members 226 and 236.

FIG. 12 illustrates a wireless charging procedure for an electronic pen300 according to an embodiment. FIG. 13 is a configuration of a part ofa foldable electronic device 200 illustrating flows of a current forhigh-speed charging of an electronic pen 300 according to an embodiment.

Referring to FIGS. 12 and 13, in step 1201, the foldable electronicdevice 200 may detect a mounting state of the electronic pen 300 basedon the intensity of a magnetic field signal of a threshold value ormore, which has been received through at least one coil member 226 or236. In the foldable electronic device 200, if the magnetic forcegenerating member 225 or 235 included in the at least one housing 220 or230 and the magnetic force reaction member 310 or 320 of the electronicpen 300 are attached to each other, the third coil member 330 of theelectronic pen 300 and the coil member 226 or 236 of the at least onehousing 220 or 230 may be arranged on one axis.

In step 1203, when the foldable electronic device 200 detects at leastone charging coil signal, the electronic pen 300 may be charged in thegeneral charging mode. The processor 206 of the foldable electronicdevice 200 may measure the intensities of the magnetic field signalsreceived by the coil members 226 and 236 of the plurality of arrangedcoil members (e.g., the at least one housing 220 or 230) and the thirdcoil member 330 of the electronic pen 300, and may recognize a mountingstate of the electronic pen 300 based on the measurement result of thethreshold value or more. The processor 206 of the foldable electronicdevice 200 may determine the coil member 226 or 236 of the at least onehousing 220 or 230 as a coil for wireless power transmission in thegeneral charging mode, and may determine the third coil member 330 ofthe electronic pen 300 as a coil for wireless power reception. Thefoldable electronic device 200 may transmit wireless power through theat least one coil member 226 or 236 without considering an inputdirection of a current in the general charging mode.

In step 1205, the foldable electronic device 200 may provide the generalcharging mode and the high-speed charging mode based on a dual foldingstate in which both housings 220 and 230 are folded. The foldableelectronic device 200 may determine a dual folding state based on theintensities of magnetic field signals of a threshold value or more,which have been measured through the first magnetic field detectingsensor 203 and the second magnetic field detecting sensor 204 disposedin the first housing 210. The foldable electronic device 200 may controlthe foldable electronic device 200 to be operated in the generalcharging mode only when neither of the two housings 220 and 230 isfolded even though the mounting state of the electronic pen 300 isrecognized through the plurality of coil members 226 and 236.

In step 1207, as illustrated in FIG. 13, when both the two housings 220and 230 are in a folded state (a dual folding state), the foldableelectronic device 200 may provide a high-speed charging mode in which aninput direction of a current is controlled, such that the direction of amagnetic field E1 generated by the first coil member 226 of the secondhousing 220 is identical to the direction of a magnetic field E2generated by the second coil member 236 of the third housing 230. Inanother embodiment, the foldable electronic device 200 may execute thehigh-speed charging mode when a charging operation is detected when thefoldable electronic device 200 is mounted on a charging or wirelesscharging pad through a wired charging cable even though both of thehousings 220 and 230 are not folded.

FIG. 14 is a partially cross-sectional view of a foldable electronicdevice 200 illustrating an automatic opening/closing configuration of ahousing 230 through an electronic pen 300 according to an embodiment.

Referring to FIG. 14, the foldable electronic device 200 may include anautomatic opening/closing device, such as a rotary motor 270 and anactuator controller 271, which automatically releases the folding stateof the at least one housing 230 through an input of a button 340disposed in the electronic pen 300. The electronic pen 300 may transmitan input (e.g., an input through a mechanical key button, a touch inputthrough a touch pad (e.g., a double tab or a long tab), a force sensorinput, an input through an ultrasonic sensor, or an input through afingerprint sensor) signal of a button 340 disposed inside theelectronic pen 300, to the foldable electronic device 200, through awireless communication device (e.g., a short-range wirelesscommunication circuit). The foldable electronic device 200 may controlthe automatic opening/closing device connected to the hinge module 262by receiving a signal received from the electronic pen 300 through thewireless communication device 272 (e.g., a short-range wirelesscommunication circuit).

The automatic opening/closing device may perform an automaticopening/closing operation based on an attachment state of the electronicpen 300. For example, in the folded state, when the electronic pen 300is separated from the pen accommodating part, an automaticopening/closing operation may be performed by recognizing an off stateof a magnetic field signal of a wireless charging coil. Similarly, inthe unfolded state, when the electronic pen 300 is accommodated in thepen accommodating part, an automatic opening/closing operation may beperformed. The operations may be performed through setting of a user.

FIG. 15A is a perspective view of a foldable electronic device 1500having an electronic pen 300 according to an embodiment, and FIG. 15B isa partially sectional view of a foldable electronic device 1500 havingan electronic pen 300 according to an embodiment.

Referring to FIGS. 15A and 15B, a foldable electronic device 1500 mayinclude an asymmetric recess structure in which a recess 2342 isprovided only in the edge 234 of one housing 230. For example, thefoldable electronic device 1500 may include a second housing 220 havinga first width W1 connected to one side of the first housing 210, and athird housing 230 having a second width W2 that is larger than the widthW1, which is connected to an opposite side of the first housing 210. Thefoldable electronic device 1500 may have a recess structure, into whichthe electronic pen 300 may be inserted in a lateral direction. The thirdhousing 230 may include a bezel area (e.g., a black matrix (BM) area)having a distance d7, by which a recess 2342, in which the electronicpen 300 is accommodated through the second edge 234 may be provided.Accordingly, the foldable electronic device 1500 may further include anoptical input device such as a camera 257 by using a bezel area that isrelatively widened. Then, the electronic pen 300 may be mounted on arecess structure, into which the electronic pen 300 may be inserted froma side direction of the foldable electronic device 1500.

The foldable electronic device 1500 may be configured such that at leastone magnetic force generating member 225 or 235 (e.g., a magnet) isdisposed only in the third housing 230 in correspondence to the recess2342. Alternatively, each of the magnetic force generating members 225and 235 may include an electromagnet that generates a magnetic forcethrough application of a voltage. In this case, the magnetic forcereaction members 310 and 320 (e.g., magnets) of the electronic pen 300may be disposed at a location where a repulsive force is generated whena voltage is applied to the electromagnet. Accordingly, as a voltage isapplied to the electromagnet when the electronic pen 300 is mounted inthe recess 2342, the electronic pen 300 may be naturally pushed to theoutside of the foldable electronic device 1500.

As described above, the foldable electronic device herein can contributeto slimness of the electronic device and can improve portability byproviding a stable pen accommodating part, in which the electronic penmay be accommodated through a folding structure of the housings. Thefoldable electronic device can also charge the battery of the electronicpen accommodated in the pen accommodating part in various charging modes(e.g., a general charging mode or a high-speed charging mode) throughthe folding structure of the peripheral housings.

As described above, an electronic device according to an embodiment mayinclude a foldable housing including a first housing, a second housingconnected to one side of the first housing to be rotatable through afirst hinge module and disposed to at least partially face the firsthousing in a folded state, and a third housing connected to an oppositeside of the first housing to be rotatable through a second hinge moduleand disposed to at least partially face the first housing in a foldedstate, the foldable housing may include a pen accommodating part definedthrough a spaced space between a first edge of the second housing and asecond edge of the third housing, a flexible display extending from atleast a portion of the second housing to at least a portion of the thirdhousing through the first housing, and an electronic pen at leastpartially accommodated in the pen accommodating part and including atleast one magnetic force reaction member in an interior space thereof,the electronic device may include at least one magnetic force generatingmember disposed around the first edge of the second housing and/or thesecond edge of the third housing, and when the electronic pen is mountedin the pen accommodating part, the location of the electronic pen may bemaintained through the magnetic force reaction member.

The pen accommodating part may be configured such that the electronicpen corresponds to an outer surface of the electronic device or is lowerthan the outer surface of the electronic device.

The at least one magnetic force generating member may include a firstmagnetic force generating member disposed around the first edge of thesecond housing, and a second magnetic force generating member disposedaround the second edge of the third housing.

When the electronic pen is accommodated in the pen accommodating part,the at least one magnetic force generating member may include a firstmagnetic force reaction member disposed at a location at which the firstmagnetic force reaction member reacts a magnetic force of the firstmagnetic force generating member, and a second magnetic force reactionmember disposed at a location at which the second magnetic forcereaction member reacts a magnetic force of the second magnetic forcegenerating member.

The first magnetic force generating member and the second magnetic forcegenerating member may be disposed to be symmetrical to each other ininclined directions with respect to the pen accommodating part.

The at least one magnetic force generating member may include a magnetor an electromagnet.

The at least one magnetic force reaction member may include a magnet ora metal member that reacts with a magnetic force.

The electronic device may further include a first recess disposedthrough at least a portion of the first edge, and a second recessdisposed through at least a portion of the second edge, and when thesecond housing and the second housing contact each other, the penaccommodating part may be disposed through the first recess and thesecond recess.

The first recess and/or the second recess may have a shape correspondingto an outer surface of the electronic pen.

According to various embodiments, in a folded state of the electronicdevice, a first distance between the first edge and the second edge at alocation that is near the display may be less than a second distancebetween the first edge and the second edge at a location that is farfrom the display.

The electronic device may include an out-folding type electronic devicein which the flexible display is exposed to the outside, and when anyone of the second housing or the third housing is unfolded, theelectronic pen may maintain a state in which the electronic pen isattached to the recess of the remaining housing.

The electronic device may include an in-folding type electronic devicein which the flexible display is disposed not to be viewed from theoutside, and when any one of the second housing or the third housing isunfolded, the electronic pen may maintain a state in which theelectronic pen is attached to the recess of the unfolded housing.

As described above, an electronic device according to an embodiment mayinclude a foldable housing including a first housing, a second housingconnected to one side of the first housing to be rotatable through afirst hinge module and disposed to at least partially face the firsthousing in a folded state, and a third housing (connected to an oppositeside of the first housing to be rotatable through a second hinge moduleand disposed to at least partially face the first housing in a foldedstate, the foldable housing may include a pen accommodating part definedthrough a spaced space between a first edge of the second housing and asecond edge of the third housing in the folded state, a flexible displayextending from at least a portion of the second housing to at least aportion of the third housing through the first housing, a wirelesscharging module disposed in an interior space of the electronic device,the wireless charging module including a first coil member disposed to avicinity of the first edge of the second housing and connected to afirst charging circuitry, and a second coil member disposed to avicinity of the second edge of the third housing and connected to asecond charging circuitry', and an electronic pen at least partiallyaccommodated in the pen accommodating part and including at least onethird coil member connected to a third charging circuitry in an interiorspace thereof,

wherein when the electronic pen is mounted in the pen accommodatingpart, the third coil member is disposed at a location at which the thirdcoil member maintains in an arrangement state in which the third coilmember performs a wireless charging operation with the first coil memberand/or the second coil member.

The first coil member, the second coil member, and/or the third coilmember may include a solenoid type coil or an FPCB type flat plate coil.

The electronic device may further include a processor, and the processormay detect whether the electronic pen is mounted in the penaccommodating part based on the intensity of an electromagnetic signalreceived from the first coil member and/or the second coil member.

The electronic device may further include at least one sensor configuredto detect a folding state of the electronic device.

The processor may detect a folding state of the second housing and/orthe third housing through the at least one sensor.

The processor may control a charging mode of the electronic pen throughthe first charging circuitry and/or the second charging circuit, basedon the folding state of the second housing and/or the third housingthrough the at least one sensor.

When detecting that both of the second housing and the third hosing arein the folded state, the processor may control the electronic pen to becharged in a high-speed charging mode through the first chargingcircuitry and/or the second charging circuit.

When detecting that only any one of the second housing and the thirdhosing is in the folded state, the processor may control the electronicpen to be charged in a general charging mode through the first chargingcircuitry and/or the second charging circuit.

While the disclosure has been particularly shown and described withreference to certain embodiments thereof, it will be understood by thoseskilled in the art that various changes in form and details may be madetherein without departing from the scope of the subject matter asdefined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

What is claimed is:
 1. An electronic device comprising: a foldablehousing comprising: a first housing; a second housing connected to oneside of the first housing and being rotatable through a first hingemodule and disposed to at least partially face the first housing in afolded state; and a third housing connected to an opposite side of thefirst housing and being rotatable through a second hinge module anddisposed to at least partially face the first housing in a folded state,wherein, in a folded state, the foldable housing further comprises: apen accommodating part defined through a spaced space between a firstedge of the second housing and a second edge of the third housing; aflexible display extending from at least a portion of the second housingto at least a portion of the third housing through the first housing;and an electronic pen at least partially accommodated in the penaccommodating part and comprising at least one magnetic force reactionmember inside the electronic pen, wherein the electronic device furthercomprises at least one magnetic force generating member disposed aroundthe first edge of the second housing and/or the second edge of the thirdhousing, and wherein, when the electronic pen is mounted in the penaccommodating part, the location of the electronic pen is maintainedthrough the magnetic force reaction member.
 2. The electronic device ofclaim 1, wherein the pen accommodating part is configured such that theelectronic pen corresponds to an outer surface of the electronic deviceor is beneath the outer surface of the electronic device.
 3. Theelectronic device of claim 1, wherein the at least one magnetic forcegenerating member comprises: a first magnetic force generating memberdisposed around the first edge of the second housing; and a secondmagnetic force generating member disposed around the second edge of thethird housing.
 4. The electronic device of claim 3, wherein, when theelectronic pen is accommodated in the pen accommodating part, the atleast one magnetic force generating member comprises: a first magneticforce reaction member disposed at a location where the first magneticforce reaction member reacts a magnetic force of the first magneticforce generating member; and a second magnetic force reaction memberdisposed at a location where the second magnetic force reaction memberreacts a magnetic force of the second magnetic force generating member.5. The electronic device of claim 4, wherein the first magnetic forcegenerating member and the second magnetic force generating member aredisposed to be symmetrical to each other in inclined directions withrespect to the pen accommodating part.
 6. The electronic device of claim1, wherein the at least one magnetic force generating member comprises amagnet or an electromagnet.
 7. The electronic device of claim
 1. whereinthe at least one magnetic force reaction member comprises a magnet or ametal member that reacts with a magnetic force.
 8. The electronic deviceof claim 1, further comprising: a first recess disposed through at leasta portion of the first edge; and a second recess disposed through atleast a portion of the second edge, wherein, when the second housing andthe second housing are folded with respect to each other, the penaccommodating part is disposed through the first recess and the secondrecess.
 9. The electronic device of claim 8, wherein the first recessand/or the second recess has a shape corresponding to an outer surfaceof the electronic pen.
 10. The electronic device of claim 8, wherein, ina folded state of the electronic device, the first recess and the secondrecess is disposed such that the distance between the first edge and thesecond edge gradually increases as the distance from the displayincreases.
 11. The electronic device of claim 10, wherein the electronicdevice further comprises an out-folding type electronic device in whichthe flexible display is exposed to the outside, and wherein when thesecond housing or the third housing is unfolded, the electronic penmaintains a state in which the electronic pen is attached to the recessof the remaining housing.
 12. The electronic device of claim 10,wherein, in the folded state, the electronic device comprises anin-folding type electronic device in which the flexible display isdisposed not to be viewed from the outside, and wherein when the secondhousing or the third housing is unfolded, the electronic pen maintains astate in which the electronic pen is attached to the recess of theunfolded housing.
 13. An electronic device comprising: a foldablehousing comprising: a first housing; a second housing connected to oneside of the first housing and being rotatable through a first hingemodule and disposed to at least partially face the first housing in afolded state; and a third housing connected to an opposite side of thefirst housing and being rotatable through a second hinge module anddisposed to at least partially face the first housing in a folded state,wherein, in a folded state, the foldable housing comprises: a penaccommodating part defined through a spaced space between a first edgeof the second housing and a second edge of the third housing; a flexibledisplay extending from at least a portion of the second housing to atleast a portion of the third housing through the first housing; awireless charging module disposed in an interior space of the electronicdevice, the wireless charging module comprising: a first coil memberdisposed to a vicinity of the first edge of the second housing andconnected to a first charging circuit; and a second coil member disposedto a vicinity of the second edge of the third housing and connected to asecond charging circuit; and an electronic pen at least partiallyaccommodated in the pen accommodating part and comprising at least onethird coil member connected to a third charging circuitry inside theelectronic pen, wherein, when the electronic pen is mounted in the penaccommodating part, the third coil member is disposed at a location atwhich the third coil member maintains in an arrangement state in whichthe third coil member performs a wireless charging operation with thefirst coil member and/or the second coil member.
 14. The electronicdevice of claim 13, wherein the first coil member, the second coilmember, and/or the third coil member comprises a solenoid type coil or aflexible printed circuit board type flat plate coil.
 15. The electronicdevice of claim 13, further comprising: a processor configured to detectwhether the electronic pen is mounted in the pen accommodating partbased on the intensity of an electromagnetic signal received from thefirst coil member and/or the second coil member.
 16. The electronicdevice of claim 15, further comprising: at least one sensor configuredto detect a folding state of the electronic device.
 17. The electronicdevice of claim 16, wherein the processor detects a folding state of thesecond housing and/or the third housing through the at least one sensor.18. The electronic device of claim 17, wherein the processor controls acharging mode of the electronic pen through the first charging circuitryand/or the second charging circuit, based on the folding state of thesecond housing and/or the third housing through the at least one sensor.19. The electronic device of claim 18, wherein, when detecting that bothof the second housing and the third hosing are in the folded state, theprocessor controls the electronic pen to be charged in a high-speedcharging mode through the first charging circuitry and/or the secondcharging circuit.
 20. The electronic device of claim 18, wherein, whendetecting that only one of the second housing and the third hosing is inthe folded state, the processor controls the electronic pen to becharged in a general charging mode through the first charging circuitryand/or the second charging circuit.